Typhoons from RAF Lossiemouth scrambled to monitor Russian jet are refuelled by VIP Voyager
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TYPHOON fighter aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth were scrambled on Friday, July 3 to monitor a Russian long-range aircraft flying in international airspace north of Scotland.
On this occasion, the Russian aircraft however turned away as they approached the UK airspace, north of the Scottish coast and no interception was needed.
The Minister for Armed Forces James Heappey MP said: “Once again our RAF personnel have demonstrated their exceptional abilities to protect our skies, responding to provocation without
hesitation. The dangerous flying of Russian aircraft towards our air space is a clear reminder of the threats that we face as a nation on a daily basis.”
The Russian aircraft was monitored throughout their flight by the National Air and Space Operations Centre at RAF High Wycombe and the Air Surveillance and Control System at RAF
Boulmer. Activity was coordinated closely with NATO allies, including the NATO Combined Air Operations Centre at Uedem in Germany.
To support the Typhoons, a Voyager aircraft from RAF Brize Norton was also launched to conduct Air to Air Refuelling. This is standard procedure and allows the Typhoons to extend their time in
the air.
The Voyager allocated to this task, was the recently returned to service VIP configured aircraft. This Voyager has now re-joined the rotation of tanker aircraft that are held on standby to
support the UK’s Quick Reaction Alert mission as conducted by the RAF.
This is the plane which underwent a £900,000 paint job to change the tail livery from grey to red, white and blue. The plane also carries VIP passengers such as the Prime Minister and members of the Royal family when on official duties in the UK or overseas.
Air Vice Marshal Duguid, Air Officer Commanding 11 Group said: “The interception by RAF Typhoons of Russian military aircraft demonstrates our continuing resolve to police, protect and defend our airspace 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
He added: “The operational debut of the VIP Voyager demonstrates the aircraft’s ability to continue as an operational asset alongside its VIP role”.
